VERIFIED Moulding Masters Of California CUSTOMER

Quality 10

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Diamond certified VIDEO PROFILE

Diamond certified company PROFILE

Mark Benda, Owner

Moulding Masters of California is an East Bay provider of crown moulding, baseboards and architectural trim. The company serves Contra Costa County homeowners from its Concord showroom, and it also delivers and professionally installs its products. It offers both finished and unfinished woods milled by its supplier in Elk Grove, pre-cut and custom moulded to fit customers’ needs. “Contractors come from all over the Bay Area to purchase their moulding from us, and we’re also open to the public,” adds owner Mark Benda.

Mr. Benda established Moulding Masters of California in 2001. He spent more than three decades in the woodworking trades before starting the company, which began by selling bits and pieces of moulding at garage sales and flea markets.

Moulding Masters of California offers free estimates, and its showroom is open to contractors and homeowners seven days a week. The company also creates custom fireplace mantels and entertainment centers, provides color consultations and interior painting, and sells a new model of medium density fiberboard that easily absorbs nails and accepts paint.

Company Profile

Moulding Masters of California is an East Bay provider of crown moulding, baseboards and architectural trim. The company serves Contra Costa County homeowners from its Concord showroom, and it also delivers and professionally installs its products. It offers both finished and unfinished woods milled by its supplier in Elk Grove, pre-cut and custom moulded to fit customers’ needs. “Contractors come from all over the Bay Area to purchase their moulding from us, and we’re also open to the public,” adds owner Mark Benda.

Mr. Benda established Moulding Masters of California in 2001. He spent more than three decades in the woodworking trades before starting the company, which began by selling bits and pieces of moulding at garage sales and flea markets.

Moulding Masters of California offers free estimates, and its showroom is open to contractors and homeowners seven days a week. The company also creates custom fireplace mantels and entertainment centers, provides color consultations and interior painting, and sells a new model of medium density fiberboard that easily absorbs nails and accepts paint.

Company Philosophy

"We thrive because of the quality of our staff. Our installers and service people make it their personal goal to provide the best possible workmanship and customer care. We assist customers who want to live in beautiful homes while protecting their property investments at the same time."

Comparative Summary

Mark Benda, owner of Moulding Masters of California, refers to his Concord-based company as “a carpenter’s candy store.” He says his customers are impressed by what he calls “the most extensive selection of molding in the Bay Area.” Most customer requests can be accommodated immediately from the store’s in house stock, and the rest can usually be ordered for the next business day. The company also manufactures custom molding and can match any existing molding design.

Moulding Masters of California is a Benda family business that can proudly point to its record of satisfied customers, says Mr. Benda. Many of them have referred the company to friends and neighbors, helping it build a solid reputation in and beyond the local community. Most of its professional staff members have worked for the store since it opened in 2000.

Moulding Masters of California sells large quantities of medium density fiberboard (MDF). Unlike former MDF products that puckered or exploded when nails were driven into them, says Mr. Benda, the new generation of ultralight MDF absorbs nails without problems and easily accepts paint. Mr. Benda says the product is extremely popular and generates virtually no complaints.

Customers can opt to have Moulding Masters of California install their molding, but the company can also instruct customers on cutting and installation methods. In fact, says Mr. Benda, homeowners and contractors who have difficulties with a molding project regard the company and its team as a “go-to” resource for troubleshooting.

Industry Info

Crown molding installation is a specified practice. Follow exact directions or hire a reputable contracting company for the best results. If you plan on installing crown molding yourself, here are some helpful tips as a reference before starting work.

• Make sure each length of crown molding you purchase has the exact same spring angle, width and thickness. Building supply stores purchase their crown and trim from several manufactures, each of which uses its own fabrication standards/tolerances.
• Always check the square of your saw before you begin. For every degree your saw is out, you’ll get twice that error for each joint you cut.
• It’s much easier to cut crown molding lying flat (face up) using a compound miter saw. Also, for sloped ceilings, some cuts aren’t possible with a miter saw.
• For added strength, use wood glue in all joints.
• Caulk all joints and the top and bottom of your crown and trim. Use a shrink-free spackling for nail holes. Caulking nail holes will leave visible dimples.
• Using a finishing nail gun will speed up installation and avoid hammer and nail punch dings.
• Don’t “chop cut” your crown or trim. Let the saw blade do the work. Ease the saw slowly through the material.

If you want to bypass the hard work and hire a contracting company to install your molding, make sure its workers are bonded and licensed, says Mark Benda, owner of Moulding Masters of California in Concord. “The liability is just too much,” he says. “Anything could happen.” Mr. Benda warns against contractors who “work out of the back of their truck.” They can be difficult for a reputable contractor to compete against, he says, since they keep their prices low by cutting corners.

In the molding industry, it’s especially important to hire a reputable company with a long-term track record of superior service, says Mr. Benda. “What if the company you’re dealing with disappears? How do you ever get service if you need to match the profile of the moldings? You need a supplier that’s established and has been in business for a long time.”

Mr. Benda compares shopping for a contactor to shopping for a car. It’s rarely advisable to buy the first one you see on the dealer’s lot. You need to “kick the tires,” he says.

Mr. Benda strongly advises homeowners to ask their prospective contractor to provide references. The list should be recent and relatively extensive. Contact several of them and find out whether they were satisfied with the work. Also, he says, find out whether the contractor demanded payment before the project began. Ideally, they should only ask for payment after a job is complete and the customer is fully satisfied.

Frequently Asked Questions

A: That depends on the type of ceiling. For an eight-foot ceiling, we recommend anywhere from a 2.5- to a 5-inch molding.

Q: What type of baseboard should I choose?

A: We’ll find something to complement the size and style of both the crown and baseboard.

Q: What kind of door casings should I choose?

A: The best approach is for us to show you some door casings, because they have to be sized and proportioned—there must be a good balance between all the moldings. In general, it’s a good idea to come to our showroom and see what’s available in terms of color, paint and installation.

Q: How long will a molding job take?

A: We can give you a free estimate. In my experience, most jobs generally take two days, depending on the scope.

Q: How much does a molding project cost?

A: That depends on a number of factors, including the size of the job, its complexity, whether we’re working on scaffolding or big extension ladders, and so forth. There are different variables.

Q: Do you offer a warranty?

A: Materials and workmanship are guaranteed for one year. Things that can’t be foreseen, like earthquakes, aren’t covered, but I usually take care of those problems anyway to keep my customers happy.

Q: Are your employees trustworthy?

A: Yes, and that’s very important, because they’re working in your house. I have employees who’ve been with me for 19 years. We’re a very trustworthy company, and we’ve never had any complaints. Customers say they’re impressed with the quality of our work and the people who do the installations.

Q: Do you [owner Mark Benda] personally come to the jobsite?

A: Yes. I go to each job, talk to the customers and give them my personal cell phone number. If questions arise, I tell them to call me. I check in around noon to see how the workers are doing. Once the job is complete, I come out and see how it went.

Q: How are you with clean up?

A: We crate all furniture and artwork with plastic, cover the walls and floor, sweep the driveway clear of all sawdust before we leave, and take all debris with us. We dust and make sure the place is spotless.

DIAMOND CERTIFIED EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR ADVICE & TIPS FROM Mark Benda

Expert CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE

Mark Benda is a 32-year veteran of the moulding industry and owner of Moulding Masters of California, a Diamond Certified company since 2005. He can be reached at (925) 237-1960 or by email.

Mark Benda: Moulding Master

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter

CONCORD — Mark Benda spent the first part of his professional life working with cakes and other confectionary creations, so it’s no wonder that when he decided to switch to the building trades, he chose the one closest to his prior specialty. “I got into culinary arts in high school and went to culinary school in Hyde Park, New York, before coming to California to work as a pastry chef at the Fairmont Hotel,” he recounts. “After my wife and I had our first child, I decided to look into a career with daytime hours and more scheduling flexibility. I ended up enrolling in a carpenter apprenticeship program, where I learned everything from laying concrete to finishing work to commercial moulding.”

Soon after, a chance interaction set Mark on his primary professional path. “I was building a fence when a woman stopped in her little Buick Regal and asked me if I knew how to do crown moulding,” he remembers. “I told her I did and she asked me to follow her to her house, where I gave her an estimate and subsequently did my first residential moulding job. As it turned out, she was an interior decorator named Diane, and after I completed her job, she started referring me to her clients and neighbors. Diane and I became great friends, and she was actually the one who encouraged me to get my license and go into business for myself. It’s amazing how meeting one person can completely change the course of your life.”

Today, as owner of Moulding Masters of California, Mark says he enjoys the creative expression his job allows for, and he draws a parallel between his current specialty and his previous livelihood as a pastry chef. “Like cake decorating, I have a blank surface to work with, and I get to deal with elements like color and texture. I like the fact that my job allows me to apply my creative abilities and make art, not to mention the sense of accomplishment I feel after completing a project.”

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Mark resides today in Walnut Creek with his wife, Rosie, and their sons, Dominick and Gabriel. “Like me, my boys are interested in the art of building,” he says. “Both of them have taken woodworking classes in school for the last four years, and Dominick is planning to study construction management in college next year.”

Outside of work, Mark engages in a variety of pastimes, from gardening and cooking to getting outdoors with his family. “Everyone in our family likes doing outdoor stuff, which is neat,” he says. “One of our favorite spots is a beach house in Aptos, where we go a couple times a year to hang out and relax. I also enjoy going on fly fishing trips with my sons and just having some time to bond with them.”

In his life and career, Mark espouses the importance of doing what you love. “I think it’s important to find what you’re passionate about and do it, even if you aren’t getting paid for it,” he affirms. “For me, I enjoy going to work every day and improving people’s homes. Sometimes it’s hard to see the impact I’m making because I’m on the inside looking out, but when a customer compliments me for turning their drab living room into a homier, more beautiful space with moulding and paint, it’s very satisfying and revitalizing.”

When asked what his future retirement might look like, Mark doesn’t have a clue. “I have no plans to retire,” he says. “I really enjoy my work and plan to keep doing it until I’m an old man. Hopefully, my sons will take over the business at that point and make it even better.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: The past, because of the old world craftsmanship. Back then, it was less about production and more about artistic expression.

Expert articles

How to Maximize the Aesthetic Value of Moulding

by Mark Benda, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

CONCORD — One of the most important yet overlooked aspects of architectural moulding installation is the role of color—not that of the moulding itself, but of the complementary wall paint. In order to make the moulding “pop,” you should make it a point to choose the right color scheme for your home.

For the best possible results, consider hiring a professional color consultant to perform an evaluation of your home’s colors. A consultant will account for the colors of your flooring, furniture, artwork, and even bedding in order to draw out the most scintillating hues and tie them together. In addition to these elements, a consultant will incorporate your moulding in the overall picture, which will help it stand out like the beautiful architectural feature it is.

Expert video tip

Video: Considerations for Moulding Installation

Complete Video Transcription:

CONCORD — Host, Sarah Rutan: If you’re planning to install moulding in your home, make sure you consider a few pertinent factors before work begins. Today we’re in Concord with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Mark Benda of Moulding Masters of California to learn more.

Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Mark Benda: There are four things to consider when installing moulding into your home. First is, a size and proportion, color –

One of the most important things about moulding is getting the proper colors on the walls to make the moulding pop. I would hire a professional color consultant to come over to your home and – for an evaluation of what your colors on the floor are. Your artwork, your bedspreads, the furniture, granite, the whole thing. With a professional color consultant, he can come – he can pull out the most interesting colors out of all these different fabrics, and the stones, and hardwood flooring. And, also, we should be the last ones in there to install the moulding after the hardwood floor, the carpeting is in – so, we should be the last ones in there to do the finish work.

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Diamond Certified RATINGS ON Moulding Masters Of California

Rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise

Moulding Masters Of California

183 SURVEYS

RATING

13 CONSECUTIVE YEARS SINCEMarch 2005CERT648

DIAMOND CERTIFIED PERFORMANCE GUARANTEED

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CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
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Customer LOYALTY
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Helpful Expertise
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Each surveyed customer was asked, “If you needed any helpful expertise, did this company provide that expertise?” To calculate this score, total “Yes” responses were divided by total responses (excluding those that stated they hadn’t needed any expertise).

Company Credentials
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Workers Compensation

Liability Insurance

License Verification

Business Practices

Current Complaint File

Legal & Finance

Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 183 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS
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Moulding Masters Of California:
Average 9.6 out of 10 based on 183 unique customer surveys of customer satisfaction.

Chris L.

VERIFIED Moulding Masters Of California CUSTOMER

1
of
183

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They have friendly service, and they did a good job.

That they come to my house, do a good job, and give me a quality product

Jaime R.

VERIFIED Moulding Masters Of California CUSTOMER

2
of
183

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They do great work, and they go the extra mile for their customers.

I think they're really great at what they do. They did extra work for free. The owner is a great guy, a really nice and friendly guy. We got along well. Anything we felt that was off, they fixed free of charge.

Jamie F.

VERIFIED Moulding Masters Of California CUSTOMER

3
of
183

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I referred a friend, and she hired them, because they are perfectionists. I am so appreciative of their attention to detail. Seriously, their work is flawless.

The finished product of my crown moulding was amazing. I couldn't be happier, honestly.

Kyle H.

VERIFIED Moulding Masters Of California CUSTOMER

4
of
183

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

If you're looking to get moulding or trim, they're definitely the guys to use.

Pretty much that they said they're going to be here at this time and they were. They were thorough with all of the work, and they were honest.

Greg N.

VERIFIED Moulding Masters Of California CUSTOMER

5
of
183

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Don't go anywhere else.

They were very thorough in their work, detail-oriented, and they went above and beyond what their job was. They painted our closet door without being asked, and I didn't have to pay for it either. I really liked that. They were super responsive and got out to our projects in a timely manner.

Larry H.

VERIFIED Moulding Masters Of California CUSTOMER

6
of
183

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They did everything in a timely fashion, and the quality was good.

Their flexibility

Larry J.

VERIFIED Moulding Masters Of California CUSTOMER

7
of
183

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They show up on time, they do what they say they are going to do, and if there are any problems, they take care of them.

The owner, Mark

Linda M.

VERIFIED Moulding Masters Of California CUSTOMER

8
of
183

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I have recommended them to several friends to let them know that they are the people to call.

I liked the quality of the finished product. Their promptness was also great. I liked everything. They did a thorough job. Basically, the whole project was fantastic.

Michael O.

VERIFIED Moulding Masters Of California CUSTOMER

9
of
183

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I would say that they have quality workmanship and professionalism.

They did what they said they were going to do. They showed up on the day they said they would.

Mr. B.

VERIFIED Moulding Masters Of California CUSTOMER

10
of
183

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

The workers were great.

The efficiency, friendliness, and skillset of the workers, Mark Benda is amazing to work with.

Mr. B.

VERIFIED Moulding Masters Of California CUSTOMER

11
of
183

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They do quality work, and they are prompt.

The workmanship was excellent.

Mr. D.

VERIFIED Moulding Masters Of California CUSTOMER

12
of
183

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They do outstanding work. They work well as a team. The owner, Mark, was very personable.

They came to the house to help out. They made suggestions that we wouldn't have thought of.

Mr. M.

VERIFIED Moulding Masters Of California CUSTOMER

13
of
183

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I'd absolutely recommend them

Price and efficiency

Pat R.

VERIFIED Moulding Masters Of California CUSTOMER

14
of
183

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They're professional, they clean up, and they have good prices.

I liked how professional they were.

Richard J.

VERIFIED Moulding Masters Of California CUSTOMER

15
of
183

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They do quality work.

They did everything right.

Sandy C.

VERIFIED Moulding Masters Of California CUSTOMER

16
of
183

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I thought they were efficient and reasonably priced. I thought they were great.

They came in and did what they said they were going to do in an efficient way.

Sheri L.

VERIFIED Moulding Masters Of California CUSTOMER

17
of
183

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

You get what you pay for. They're reasonable and do quality work.

The professionalism

Tracy L.

VERIFIED Moulding Masters Of California CUSTOMER

18
of
183

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Excellent quality and excellent service

They do impeccable work, and they clean up afterwards.

Bill C.

VERIFIED Moulding Masters Of California CUSTOMER

19
of
183

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They were professional and extremely efficient with the installation and clean-up.

They were efficient and professional. The speed with which they completed the project was amazing.

Dave M.

VERIFIED Moulding Masters Of California CUSTOMER

20
of
183

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They are honest. They are timely. They do good work. They stand behind their work.